Welcome, auto-enthusiasts! Ever found yourself torn between ATE and Zimmermann, two titans of the automotive brake system world?
Join me as I dig into their performance, weigh their quality, compare prices, and outline pros and cons.
Together, let’s discover which brand truly stops the competition in its tracks!
ATE vs Zimmermann – Brand Comparison Table
| ATE | Zimmermann | |
| Country of Origin | Germany | Germany |
| Year Founded | 1906 | 1947 |
| Made In | mostly in Germany, Czech Republic, China | Germany |
| Founder | Alfred Teves | Otto Zimmermann |
| Parent | Continental AG | Stand-alone |
| Overall Quality | they use only high-quality OEM materials, and their name stands for precision and reliability | just as good as OEM brake discs with their Coat-Z series |
ATE Cod vs Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – Cod and Coat-Z from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, durability, performance, stopping power and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| ATE | Zimmermann | |
| Series | Cod | Coat-Z |
| Material | High Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | MetaCote protective anti-corrosion | Coat Z – anti corrosion coating |
| Type | Vented/Solid | Vented |
| Durability | Optimizes durability, prevents brake judder and noise, reduced rotor wear, extends service life of wheel suspension and wheel bearings | The grey cast iron is further treated with additional ingredients to stabilize its properties, ensuring maximum durability |
| Performance | Optimum performance at all temperatures, less susceptible to noise and vibration | German production quality with Coat-Z coating that not only enhances longevity but also improves the overall performance |
| Price | $40.23 – $315.25 | $28.25 – $445.32 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
ATE Premium One Set vs Zimmermann Premium Ceramic Brake Pads Comparison
In the following section, I’m going to compare the most renowned Brake Pads series from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, performance, stopping power, brake dust accumulation and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| ATE | Zimmermann | |
| Series | Premium One Set | Premium Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | ATE Premium One brake pads offer a clean, quiet, and long-lasting braking experience. Their solid performance is attributed to an innovative brake pad compound that incorporates advanced fibre technology. | Zimmermann Premium Ceramic brake pads are engineered to provide a quieter and consistently pleasant braking experience, minimizing noise and enhancing overall performance. |
| Price | $39.95 – $322.33 | $24.29 – $308.69 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 months |
| Dust Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Dust) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Differences
1. Overall Performance and Quality
Comparing ATE and Zimmermann brake parts, both have received positive feedback from users. However, each brand has unique characteristics that appeal to different customers.
ATE:
- ATE brake pads are reported to perform well over long distances. One user had a good experience with ATE front pads over 20,000 miles, mentioning they didn’t fade and were quieter than their replacements.
- Some users prefer ATE pads for their bite, especially on rear discs. They’re described as softer than Pagid and produce no squeal after fitting.
- ATE performance discs and ceramic pads are well-regarded, considered “OEM+” by users. They’re often compared favorably to brands like Akebono and Pagid.
- Many users consider ATE alongside Brembo when choosing brake parts, showing confidence in the brand.
Zimmermann:
- Zimmermann Z coated rotors are recommended for street and daily use, with users finding them a reliable option.
- Users report that Zimmermann drilled rotors are high-end OEM replacements. They’re said to bite harder and produce less brake dust.
- Users praise Zimmermann parts for their durability. One user has been using them for almost 2 years with no issues.
- Zimmermann rotors are preferred by some for their rust-resistant zinc coating and front rotor vents. One user uses Zimmermann parts on all his cars because of these features.
Overall, both ATE and Zimmermann offer high-quality brake parts, with specific performance and quality features that cater to different user needs and preferences.
2. Rotors and Brake Pads Prices
I’ve gathered some interesting information regarding the brake rotor prices for both brands. You can take a look at them in the table below:
| ATE Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Zimmermann Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | ATE Rear Brake Rotor goes from $34.89 | Zimmermann Coat-Z Brake Rotor goes from $19.97 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | ATE Front Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $34.89 | Zimmermann Formula-Z Front Passenger Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,072.23 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for ATE and Zimmermann below:
| ATE Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Zimmermann Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $21.61 | Zimmermann Front Disc Brake Pad Set go from $19.68 |
| Most Expensive Pads | ATE Original Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $323.93 | Zimmermann Rear Disc Brake Pad Set go for $269.93 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
ATE
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Outstanding safety and durability | ❌ ATE Brake pads are not intented for heavy loads |
| ✔ Good value for money | |
| ✔ OEM supplier |
Zimmermann
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ German production quality | ❌ Rare durability issues |
| ✔ Coat Z Coated Brake Discs | |
| ✔ Positive customer reviews |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After comparing both brands, I’ve concluded that it’s a tie between ATE and Zimmermann.
ATE stands out for its safety, durability, and value for money, while Zimmermann impresses with its German quality, Coat Z Coated Brake Discs, and positive customer reviews.
Both brands have minor downsides, but overall, they offer high-quality, reliable brake parts that customers trust.
